Sahara Samay expects to be top channel in MP

As part of a Rs 400-crore expansion plan or thereabouts, Sahara Samay will expand regional operations in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Sahara Samay organised a meet for business and industry, the media, and the government in Bhopal yesterday. The company has formed a forum where there can be regular interaction on investment issues.

The group expects Sahara Samay to get the top slot in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in two months, as per TAM Media Research ratings, from the third slot now. Chief Minister Babulal Gaur suggested changing the opening montage of Sahara Samay by introducing a picture of "Bharat Mata".

Company officials and editorial heads said the group would not join hands with any foreign media firm, despite the central government having allowed 26 per cent FDI in the sector. Instead, after a year it would enter Los Angeles, Dubai, and Jeddah, parts of South Africa.

Speaking to Business Standard, Sahara Samay head Ambikanand said, "As part of our Rs 400-crore expansion, we have planned city-centric news coverage on our regional channels. We will cover three more cities in Madhya Pradesh and two more in Chhattisgarh."

At present, Sahara covers Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore, and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

The company is facing distribution problems in both the states, wherein its programmes are being blocked by local distributors. "We will get more people in the distribution and marketing divisions," he said.

With two upcoming English news channels in southern India, one in the north-east states, and another in the National Capital Regional, Sahara Samay is eyeing West Bengal and Gujarat with regional channels in Bengali and Gujarati.

'We have invested Rs 200 crore in regional initiatives," he said, adding, "our plan is to cover 80 cities all over India."

On overseas venture he said, "We are working out a plan, and channels will air news as well other programmes abroad."